Lobbyists representing major cable operators and programmers, broadcasters and Hollywood studios said they support proposals President Obama released Wednesday aimed at reducing gun violence.

"We support the President's goal of reducing gun violence in this country. It is a complex problem, and as we have said, we stand ready to be part of the conversation and welcome further academic examination and consideration on these issues as the President has proposed," the National Cable & Telecommunications Association said in a joint statement with the National Association of Broadcasters, the Motion Picture Association of America and the Independent Film & Television Alliance.

Last Thursday, top executives from Comcast (Nasdaq: CMCSA), NCTA, NAB and MPAA met with Vice President Biden and the White House Task Force on Gun Violence. Following the mass shooting last month at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, there has been increased debate about the impact of violence portrayed in TV shows, movies and videogames.

While Obama proposed on Wednesday a ban on assault weapons and high capacity magazines, along with expanded background checks on gun owners, the president didn't address the impact of violence in TV, movies and videogames. That drew criticism from the Parents Television Council. "It looks like the entertainment industry, once again, is getting off light," Dan Isett, PTC director of public policy, told Fox News Channel.

The joint statement from NCTA, NAB and MPAA suggests that the groups would support the idea of studying the impact of violence in TV, film and videogames. But the groups would likely oppose efforts to restrict content or place new content ratings on TV shows, movies and videogames.

For more:
- see the joint statement
- The Los Angeles Times has this story
- Fox News Channel has this story

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